Bracker Wealth Management

06/25/2026

Choosing between a Roth and a Traditional 401(k) really comes down to one big question: When does it make the most sense for you to pay taxes—now, or down the road?

While this calculator is a great tool to help you visualize the potential future value of your savings, we know that your life doesn’t always fit neatly into a formula.

That's why we are always here to help. We are happy to sit down, walk through different questions and scenarios with you, and help you map out a clear, custom strategy that fits your real-life goals.

Try out the calculator to start exploring and reach out whenever you're ready to run the numbers together!

Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.

06/23/2026

A bit of a read, but good information to know. Prediction markets suggest the Federal Reserve may show more agreement at its latest interest rate meeting.

Traders on Kalshi placed a 70% probability on a unanimous Fed rate decision in June. That would mark a shift from April, when four members dissented — the highest number of dissents since 1992.

The Fed is widely expected to hold rates steady in the 3.50% to 3.75% range as policymakers continue weighing inflation, oil prices, and broader economic uncertainty.

A more unified vote could signal that policymakers are aligning around the current rate path, even as inflation remains above the Fed’s long-term target.

For households and businesses, Fed decisions can influence borrowing costs, savings yields, mortgage rates, and overall economic confidence.

Even when rates do not change, the level of agreement among policymakers can offer insight into how the central bank is reading the economy.



Source:

Traders on prediction market platform Kalshi largely forecast a unanimous decision among FOMC members at Wednesday's meeting, after April's divided vote.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to our very own John Bracker. We hope your day is filled with plenty of quality time with Noelle - basketball, blanket forts, and pool time - and all the things that make being a dad so special.

Happy Father’s Day to John and all the dads, grandpas, and father figures who are making memories in the small, everyday moments. Enjoy time (and hopefully a nap!) with the ones you love!

06/17/2026

We had a great afternoon watching Texas take on Alabama at the College World Series. A huge thank you to Carlson Advisor Network for treating us to awesome seats, ballpark snacks, and cold drinks. And shout-out to Sam for making friends with all the Texas fans around us 🤘

Thanks to Scott Carlson and John for letting us take the afternoon to enjoy the CWS! It's finally feeling like summer! ☀️⚾

06/10/2026

At Bracker Wealth, we are more than just coworkers—we are a tight-knit family. We’ve built a team where different skills and personalities blend together perfectly. We challenge each other (mostly John), we celebrate each other’s wins, and most importantly, we show up for one another (and yes, that absolutely includes dog-sitting for each other's pets 🐶).

Whether we are volunteering in Southwest Iowa or sitting around the conference table, we are incredibly grateful for the trust we have in one another. When you work with us, you aren’t just getting financial strategists; you’re getting a family that is entirely in your corner.

06/08/2026

Markets continued their upward climb in May, supported by strong technology performance, positive economic data, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Nasdaq gained 8.36%, the S&P 500 rose 5.15%, and Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 2.37%, while investors welcomed better-than-expected job growth and upbeat corporate earnings. With the Fed's next meeting scheduled for June, attention is turning to updated economic projections and what they may signal about the broader economy. From \$24 billion spent on Father's Day to the popularity of dining out and special outings, this month's by-the-numbers highlights how families celebrate the dads in their lives.

Monthly Market Insights | June 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks pushed higher in May, fueled by big tech names, positive economic news, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Nasdaq Composite, which rose 15.29 percent in April, tacked on another 8.36 percent. The Standard & Poor...

06/05/2026

We believe your financial plan should be as clear as it is comprehensive. That’s why we use Asset-Map — an innovative, user-friendly tool that turns complex numbers into a single, visual "map" of your financial life.

No more digging through stacks of paper—just one clear picture of where you are and where you’re going. 📈

Ready to see your big picture? Let’s map it out together. https://www.brackerwealthmanagement.com/asset-map

06/03/2026

Westfair has always been close to our hearts, and John and I are honored to serve on the committee working to build its future. With the current Iowa West Foundation matching opportunity in place, there’s never been a better time to join us in investing in our local fairgrounds!

For generations, Westfair has been part of our story. Now, it’s our turn to invest in what comes next…strengthening our fairgrounds, improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for youth, families and our entire region.

The future won’t build itself. It takes all of us...including YOU!

With a current matching opportunity in place thanks to Iowa West Foundation and their belief in our vision, every gift can go even further.

It’s time to get involved. Join us in creating a future the past would be proud of. Show your support by following the link: https://www.westfair.org/spirit-of-westfair

And remember, EVERY gift counts! We appreciate your support!

05/26/2026

While most people unwind on the weekend with a movie or a good book, John’s idea of "quiet time" is a little different. Give him a fresh cup of coffee, a quiet room, and a stack of quarterly earnings reports, and he is genuinely in his happy place.

John is incredibly thorough and, to be honest, a bit obsessed with tracking the micro-movements of the market. He lives for this data.

Right now, he’s focused on the latest earnings season. As you can see in this chart, the sheer scale of the "Big Seven's" earnings is a prime example of why he watches the numbers so closely. Every earnings season has its own rhythm, but the undeniable influence of just a handful of massive companies shapes the entire landscape.

05/20/2026

As graduation season starts, our team went digging through the archives and unearthed our own high school senior photos from the 1999–2010 era. Yes, some of these trends are now officially considered "vintage"—we'll let you judge who rocked the late-90s/early-2000s style best! 🫣😂

Most importantly, we want to say congratulations to the Classes of 2026 of all of our local graduates and their families!

Graduation is a true team sport, and this milestone belongs to the parents, grandparents, siblings, and guardians who provided the support to make it possible. 🤝❤️ Congratulations 2026 Graduates -- the world awaits!